An ancient medical centre, the Asclepion was founded by Archias, a local who had been cured at the Asclepion of Epidaurus (Greece). Treatments included mud baths, the use of herbs and ointments, enemas and sunbathing. Diagnosis was often by dream analysis.
Pergamon‘s centre came to the fore under Galen (AD 131–210), who was born here and studied in Alexandria, Greece and Asia Minor before setting up shop as physician to Pergamum’s gladiators. Recognised as perhaps the greatest early physician, Galen added considerably to knowledge of the circulatory and nervous systems, and also systematised medical theory. Under his influence, the medical school at Pergamum became renowned. His work was the basis for Western medicine well into the 16th century.
The Asclepion is 2km uphill from the town centre as the crow flies (but it’s a winding road), signposted from Cumhuriyet Caddesi just north of the tourist office and PTT. A second road runs from Böblingen Pension, southwest of town. It’s closed to motorists and we don’t recommend walking it, as it passes through a large military base; if you do, be off it by dusk and don’t take photos.
A Roman bazaar street, once lined with shops, leads from the entrance to the centre, where you’ll see the base of a column carved with snakes, the symbol of Asclepios (Aesculapius), god of medicine. Just as the snake sheds its skin and gains a ‘new life’, so the patients at the Asclepion were supposed to ‘shed’ their illnesses. Signs mark a circular Temple of Asclepios, a library and, beyond it, a Roman theatre.
Underground access to the Temple of Telesphorus in Roman city Pergamon. The Asklepion of Pergamon was something in between a sanctuary and a spa resort.
You can take a drink from the sacred well, although the plastic tube out of which the water flows doesn’t look particularly inviting, and pass along the vaulted underground corridor to the Temple of Telesphorus, another god of medicine. Patients slept in the temple hoping that Telesphorus would send a cure or diagnosis in a dream. The names of Telesphorus’ two daughters, Hygeia and Panacea, have passed into medical terminology.
Asclepion,
This early hospital is worth a visit. A guide would be very helpful to explain the history and point out specific places. the town is interesting as is the museum.
Fabulous to see, well worth the visit to Bermaga, try and stop overnight in the village to take it all in.
Don't make the mistake of only visiting the Akropolis. This is on the other part of town but well worth the time. I would say skip the museum if you'll skip something, not this.
There was much to see at this ancient medical centre and considerable restoration of the site has occurred in recent years. As you walk back along the Roman bazaar street to the quiet car park the view of the Acropolis , especially the theatre, is clearly visible high on the mountain above.
The Temple of Asclepios, remains of the library,…
We first visited this site (many, many) years ago and only really remembered approaching it from a village, across a field and finding the "main hospital" building – we certainly didn't remember the theatre and the temple complex above it! It was wonderful and well worth a visit!
When compared with nearby Pergamon Acropolis, this place is less known, less crowded but in fact it is as impressive as the acropolis, if not more… There are few things that remain from this healing center (or the equivalent of a nowaday's hospital) but the theater is still in place as well as the columns of the temple. If you…
If you compare the Asclepion with Acropolis, you will be a little bit disappointed. But I found it very different than Acropolis. There is not much to see here like Acropolis; but the tunnels look very impressive.
I preferred to walk here from the city center and it took me about 25 minutes. It is very easy to find this…
This was an unexpected delight. I had read about the site before but it was breath-taking in its scale and the location was wonderful. It really is worth while to go and visit and see the birth place of modern medicine. very fine indeed.
In Bergame everyone visit the Acropolis, but Asklepion must not be forget!
Near the citycenter in a silent surrounding. Here are the remains of a hospital. Also old polls and tunnels.
You will not be disappointed visiting this.
The Asklepion is the ancient hospital of Pergamom. If you are already in town, please do not skip this. If you don't like crowds and enjoy exploring ancient ruins in solitude, this place might provide you with that elusive opportunity. The place was empty during the middle of summer when I visited. Please bring a reliable guide book since there's…